Devotion for March 9, 2022, from Pastor Barbara Caine of Holy Redeemer:
Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch and “The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” Acts 13:44
I remember talking to my Grandma on the phone when I was little. It was always good to hear her voice and her laugh. Even over the phone I could hear her love for me. But I was always over the moon when the time came to see her in person! I doubt that anyone in the world has better hugs than my Grandma gave. Other hugs may be as good, but none are better!
Over the past two years we’ve had to worship God together, well, kind of over the phone, either with videos, or Zoom, FaceBook, or live-stream, or whatever other ways we’ve been lucky enough to communicate with!
I’m so grateful for these alternative ways to worship, and I am thrilled that we can continue to offer them to those who cannot come in person, or have to travel, or, for whatever reason in person worship is difficult for them. AND – I am over the moon to get see more and more of you in person! How wonderful to physically “gather to hear the word of the Lord.”
Although hugs may be a ways away, a real knuckle punch, an elbow touch, a response with a group in worship, or live music, bell choir and ashes in person are a blessing. I also look forward to visiting with more of you in person as the infection level drops. So – I’m happy as we move more toward normal, but with new innovations that are more inclusive than in the past! What a wonderful God we worship, and in so many ways! Alleluia!
In Christ,
Pastor Barbara
